Time to Schedule Airblast Sprayer Calibrations

Proper calibration helps make sure equipment is functioning properly and pesticide applications are getting to the target at the proper rate. Worn or broken nozzles or other equipment malfunctions can mean some areas of the target receive too much or too little pesticide, thus having a negative effect on pest control.

Watch these videos to learn the benefits of having your air blast sprayer calibrated from an educator's and grower's perspective:

• Educator Perspective video
• Grower Perspective video

To schedule your airblast sprayer calibration, please complete the following online form:

• Sprayer Calibration Request online form (PA residents only)
• If you have trouble signing up online, please call Kathy Branstetter at 814-863-0263.

Once requested, someone working with our office will be contacting you within a week or so. For us to be as efficient as possible, we have developed a PRE-calibration YouTube video to help you prepare your sprayer(s) prior to our arrival. We also have a link below for a PRE-calibration checklist that you can download and complete. The last link below shows an example of the calibration process.

• General Pre-Calibration Instructions video
• Pre-Calibration Checklist
• Calibration Process video

Completing the pre-calibration checklist prior to our visit will help ensure a successful calibration. Please note: To avoid additional charges, prepare your sprayer prior to our arrival. Also, due to the condition of an unprepared sprayer, sometimes calibration must be delayed until a future date when it is in its proper operating condition.

We normally charge a fee for this educational demonstration program; however, due to COVID-19, we are suspending any charges for 2021. Normally, the grower portion of the sprayer calibration cost is $50 for the first sprayer and additional sprayers are each $30.

If you have any questions, please contact Bob Pollock at rcp3@psu.edu or Kathy Branstetter at 814-863-0263.

Additional Calibration Resources

The second edition of Airblast 101 – Your Guide to Effective and Efficient Spraying is now available. This new edition explores international best practices, describes new equipment, and explains the physics of spraying. It is an invaluable resource for farmers, equipment manufacturers, researchers, regulators, and educators in the field of agricultural spraying. Additionally, their website, Sprayers 101, is a great resource describing best practices in safe, efficient, and effective agricultural spraying.